Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) said it has "locked" the national identity cards of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, effectively barring her from voting in the general elections scheduled for February next year.


Bangladesh EC bars Hasina from voting in 2026 elections, blocks National Identity Card 

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to file a major graft case against 35 individuals, including Saima Wazed, daughter of former PM Sheikh Hasina, and the heads of eight powerful business groups like Beximco, Summit, and United. The case involves alleged embezzlement of Tk 448.94 crore from Shuchona Foundation, founded by Saima. Former top NBR officials are also accused of providing tax exemptions in exchange for bribes.

Graft case against Sheikh Hasina's daughter: ACC to sue Saima Wazed, 8 business group chiefs

Almost a year after Sheikh Hasina's ouster from the country and collapse of her Awami League government, the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus continues to be under scrutiny. The chief reason being elections. Yunus now says, fresh elections will be held in February 2026. Watch this video to find out more.

Bangladesh polls 2026: Opinions remain divided | Yunus holds meetings with political parties 

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has officially denied allegations that anti-Bangladesh activities are being conducted from Indian soil. The clarification comes amid growing political tensions in Dhaka, where the interim Yunus-led government has accused the banned Awami League of operating from India. India reiterated its neutral stance, stating that no Awami League political activities are permitted and that India expects free, fair, and transparent elections in Bangladesh. The situation has sparked sharp regional interest as South Asia watches closely ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming polls.

MEA responds to Yunus govt's accusations | 'Hasina's party is banned in Bangladesh'

Mohammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has reportedly ordered all Bangladeshi foreign missions to remove the portrait of President Shahabuddin from their offices. Reports have linked this move by the Yunus-led government to his gradual wiping of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's legacy from the South Asian nation. However, there was no written order of the same and local reports said that the order was issued verbally. Earlier this month, Yunus had announced that elections in the country would be held in February 2026.<h2>Here's what we know about the portrait controversy</h2>A report by The Bangladeshi Daily Prothom Alo reported that officials have been instructed to take down the portraits. The Daily Star cited sources in the foreign ministry who revealed that most of the 82 missions had already taken down the portraits following the July uprising, while the remaining missions were reportedly instructed last Friday to do the same. Since the order was made verbally, the lack of documentation and transparency has raised eyebrows. Moreover, removal of Shahabuddin's portraits has been linked to wiping Sheikh Hasina's legacy as he was appointed during Hasina’s tenure. As the controversy spiralled, both Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Shah Asif Rahman, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing, declined to comment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, said in a Facebook post that the interim government had discouraged the use of official portraits from the outset, maintaining what he described as an unwritten “zero-portrait” policy and blamed media for stirring controversy. “Even so, some individuals have, on their own initiative, displayed pictures of the government or head of state. However, no written directive has been issued to any office or mission instructing them to remove such portraits. Since the announcement of the election schedule has reduced opportunities to create confusion over politics, many small matters are being exaggerated and turned into mountain-sized controversies to keep up political momentum,” Azad wrote. Responding on the controversy, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that she &nbsp;learnt of the removals from media reports and stated that it would not impact the upcoming polls. “If photos were removed, that has nothing to do with the election. A photo has no relation to an election.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-army-chief-reaffirms-nation-s-secular-democratic-foundations-1755541736303/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-army-chief-reaffirms-nation-s-secular-democratic-foundations-1755541736303/embed</a><h2>Is the Yunus government really wiping out Hasina's legacy?</h2>After Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024, the Yunus regime has been accused of erasing her legacy from the country, including that of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Yunus government has also been accused of giving free rein to the Islamist forces in the country. Attacks on minorities have also increased after the ouster of Hasina, with India also urging the Yunus-led government to protect the minorities. Recently, the Bangladeshi government scrapped the status of August 15 as the 'National Mourning Day.' Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is considered 'Father of the Nation' in Bangladesh, was brutally assassinated on August 15, 1975. The day was observed as National Mourning Day in the neighbouring country, but the holiday on that day has been scrapped by the Yunus government.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Yunus government has also removed Mujibur Rahman's image from banknotes and has renamed buildings and institutions in his name. It has also revised educational content to portray multiple viewpoints of the Liberation War, including that of Zia-ur-Rahman, and reduced mentions of India's role. Moreover, several trusts linked to Hasina and her family—including the Bangabandhu Memorial Trust—lost tax-exempt status and are now under financial scrutiny. The Awami League has been banned from political activity, including contests in upcoming elections—an effective move to sideline both the party and Hasina-affiliated politics. A nationwide crackdown—Operation Devil Hunt— has also been launched to target supporters and structures associated with Sheikh Hasina, resulting in thousands of arrests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh's interim government reportedly ordered the removal of President Shahabuddin’s portraits from foreign missions, sparking controversy due to the lack of written orders. Yunus govt aide's said that they have maintained a “zero-portrait” policy since the beginning 

Mohammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has reportedly ordered all Bangladeshi foreign missions to remove the portrait of President Shahabuddin from their offices. Reports have linked this move by the Yunus-led government to his gradual wiping of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's legacy from the South Asian nation. However, there was no written order of the same and local reports said that the order was issued verbally. Earlier this month, Yunus had announced that elections in the country would be held in February 2026. Here's what we know about the portrait controversy A report by The Bangladeshi Daily Prothom Alo reported that officials have been instructed to take down the portraits. The Daily Star cited sources in the foreign ministry who revealed that most of the 82 missions had already taken down the portraits following the July uprising, while the remaining missions were reportedly instructed last Friday to do the same. Since the order was made verbally, the lack of documentation and transparency has raised eyebrows. Moreover, removal of Shahabuddin's portraits has been linked to wiping Sheikh Hasina's legacy as he was appointed during Hasina’s tenure. As the controversy spiralled, both Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Shah Asif Rahman, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing, declined to comment. Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, said in a Facebook post that the interim government had discouraged the use of official portraits from the outset, maintaining what he described as an unwritten “zero-portrait” policy and blamed media for stirring controversy. “Even so, some individuals have, on their own initiative, displayed pictures of the government or head of state. However, no written directive has been issued to any office or mission instructing them to remove such portraits. Since the announcement of the election schedule has reduced opportunities to create confusion over politics, many small matters are being exaggerated and turned into mountain-sized controversies to keep up political momentum,” Azad wrote. Responding on the controversy, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that she learnt of the removals from media reports and stated that it would not impact the upcoming polls. “If photos were removed, that has nothing to do with the election. A photo has no relation to an election.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-army-chief-reaffirms-nation-s-secular-democratic-foundations-1755541736303/embed Is the Yunus government really wiping out Hasina's legacy? After Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024, the Yunus regime has been accused of erasing her legacy from the country, including that of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Yunus government has also been accused of giving free rein to the Islamist forces in the country. Attacks on minorities have also increased after the ouster of Hasina, with India also urging the Yunus-led government to protect the minorities. Recently, the Bangladeshi government scrapped the status of August 15 as the 'National Mourning Day.' Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is considered 'Father of the Nation' in Bangladesh, was brutally assassinated on August 15, 1975. The day was observed as National Mourning Day in the neighbouring country, but the holiday on that day has been scrapped by the Yunus government. The Yunus government has also removed Mujibur Rahman's image from banknotes and has renamed buildings and institutions in his name. It has also revised educational content to portray multiple viewpoints of the Liberation War, including that of Zia-ur-Rahman, and reduced mentions of India's role. Moreover, several trusts linked to Hasina and her family—including the Bangabandhu Memorial Trust—lost tax-exempt status and are now under financial scrutiny. The Awami League has been banned from political activity, including contests in upcoming elections—an effective move to sideline both the party and Hasina-affiliated politics. A nationwide crackdown—Operation Devil Hunt— has also been launched to target supporters and structures associated with Sheikh Hasina, resulting in thousands of arrests.

Bangladesh's interim government reportedly ordered the removal of President Shahabuddin’s portraits from foreign missions, sparking controversy due to the lack of written orders. Yunus govt aide's said that they have maintained a “zero-portrait” policy since the beginning&nbsp;

Row breaks out over Bangladesh govt's order to remove President Shahabuddin's portraits: Is Yunus govt wiping out Hasina's legacy?

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office.&nbsp;The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed &nbsp;several lives and changed the political landscape of the country.&nbsp;Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026.&nbsp;According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling placeInitially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls.&nbsp;But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now.&nbsp;According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.&nbsp;"There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla.&nbsp;According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors.&nbsp;The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country. &nbsp;

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladeshs founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee her country and take shelter in India after her government was toppled last year in a student-led protest is reportedly setting up a "party office" in India's Kolkata. The senior and mid-level leaders of the Awami League - Sheikh Hasina's party - and its affiliated organisations have been frequenting the office. The leaders are believed to have come to India after Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 after the uprising that claimed several lives and changed the political landscape of the country. Renowned economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was chosen to head the interim government. However, Bangladesh poll body has announced national elections to be held before Ramadan in February 2026. According to BBC Bangla, Hasina lives close to the capital Delhi, while senior Awami League leaders including former ministers, have chosen Kolkata as their dwelling place Initially, all informal gathering of the party were being held at the residences in Kolkata, while larger meetings were held in restaurants or rented banquet halls. But with an office space of 500–600 sq ft allocated for the party, all future meetings are likely to be held here now. According to the report, there are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside. "There are no typical party office files here. We needed a discreet space for regular meetings, and this commercial office fit the bill. The furniture was left behind by the previous tenants," one AL leader told BBC Bangla. According to the report, the opening of the office is in the knowledge of the Indian intelligence agencies as it would not have been possible without the approval from India's Ministry of Home Affairs. Sheikh Hasina has been charged her with crimes against humanity, including charges of order, incitement, complicity, conspiracy, and abetment of murder, torture and other inhuman acts by Bangladeshi prosecutors. The trial is being held before three judges of Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal (ICT); a court that Hasina set up herself while she was the prime minister of the country.

There are no signboards or portraits of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh's founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inside or outside the building that showcase an Awami League office inside.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League leaders huddle ahead of Bangladesh polls, open office in India's Kolkata: Report

Once a highly secured Prime Minister's residence, Ganabhaban, the former official residence of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is being converted into a museum. It is likely to be named as the July Revolution Memorial Museum. The VIP complex with the facilities needed for a leader to carry out official work was constructed by Sheikh Hasina's father, the first leader of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Sheikha Hasina turned it into her official residence during her 15-year rule.&nbsp;The palace was named the Estate Rajbari during the British and Pakistani regime and was the palace of the Maharajas of Dighapatia. The palace was being used by the Bangladesh government as the official home of the head of the government of Bangladesh.&nbsp;The caretaker government headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had previously declared the intention to convert Sheikh Hasina's family home, 'Ganabhaban' or People's House, into a museum symbolising her "misrule". The July Revolution Memorial Museum will be opened on August 5 on the anniversary of the removal of the Sheikh Hasina regime as the museum work is all set to be completed.&nbsp;The buildings are located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, just minutes away from the country's parliament complex. The present complex was inaugurated in1984. Sheikh Hasina moved into the Ganabhaban on March 6, 2010, over a year since she had been voted into office and it remained her home until August 5, 2024. Ganabhaban was raided by an angry mob that had gathered at its doors with an intentionto kill Sheikh Hasina, just moments after she had exited the premises and left the country on August 5. Almost everything was plundered from the house including sarees, ornaments, clocks, sofas, designer handbags, televisions, fish among other things. The viral images filled social media triggering viral memes. Subsequently, authorities claimed that most of the items looted were recovered.&nbsp;The riotous and violent crowd had raided the complex in rage against Hasina for allegedly sanctioning murders and leading a fascist administration. The museum will feature the artefacts of last year's violence protesters who were killed and graffiti on the wall by protesters will also be left intact. Bangladesh's Ministry of Cultural Affairs has suggested the establishment of almost 200 jobs for the running and management of the museum. The museum will officially open to the public once it is granted final permission from the authorities in charge of its construction.

Looted, abandoned, reimagined: Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Ganabhaban Palace to be turn into revolution museum

Once a highly secured Prime Minister's residence, Ganabhaban, the former official residence of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is being converted into a museum. It is likely to be named as the July Revolution Memorial Museum. The VIP complex with the facilities needed for a leader to carry out official work was constructed by Sheikh Hasina's father, the first leader of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Sheikha Hasina turned it into her official residence during her 15-year rule. The palace was named the Estate Rajbari during the British and Pakistani regime and was the palace of the Maharajas of Dighapatia. The palace was being used by the Bangladesh government as the official home of the head of the government of Bangladesh. The caretaker government headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had previously declared the intention to convert Sheikh Hasina's family home, 'Ganabhaban' or People's House, into a museum symbolising her "misrule". The July Revolution Memorial Museum will be opened on August 5 on the anniversary of the removal of the Sheikh Hasina regime as the museum work is all set to be completed. The buildings are located in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, just minutes away from the country's parliament complex. The present complex was inaugurated in1984. Sheikh Hasina moved into the Ganabhaban on March 6, 2010, over a year since she had been voted into office and it remained her home until August 5, 2024. Ganabhaban was raided by an angry mob that had gathered at its doors with an intentionto kill Sheikh Hasina, just moments after she had exited the premises and left the country on August 5. Almost everything was plundered from the house including sarees, ornaments, clocks, sofas, designer handbags, televisions, fish among other things. The viral images filled social media triggering viral memes. Subsequently, authorities claimed that most of the items looted were recovered. The riotous and violent crowd had raided the complex in rage against Hasina for allegedly sanctioning murders and leading a fascist administration. The museum will feature the artefacts of last year's violence protesters who were killed and graffiti on the wall by protesters will also be left intact. Bangladesh's Ministry of Cultural Affairs has suggested the establishment of almost 200 jobs for the running and management of the museum. The museum will officially open to the public once it is granted final permission from the authorities in charge of its construction.

The place was known as the Estate Rajbari during the British and Pakistani-rule and was the palace of the Maharajas of Dighapatia

Looted, abandoned, reimagined: Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Ganabhaban Palace to be turned into revolution museum

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) started the trial of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia on Sunday over crimes against humanity related to the suppression of the uprising led by students in 2024. In his opening statement, the chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, described Hasina as the “nucleus of all crimes” and called for the maximum penalty. The prosecution also named Hasina’s two top aides, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun, as the co-accused. While Hasina and Kamal are being tried in absentia, Mamun is in custody and has agreed to be the approver in the case.&nbsp;The ICT started the trial against Hasina on several charges, including killings and tortures to subdue the violent street campaign last year by Students Against Discrimination (SAD) that eventually toppled her Awami League government on August 5, 2024.&nbsp;<h2>First witness testifies in trial</h2>&nbsp;The first witness in the trial, a man shot in the face during the protests, testified on Sunday. Khokon Chandra Barman, 23, wears a mask to conceal his face, which was ripped apart by gunshot on August 5, 2024.“I want justice for the ordeal I’ve been going through and for my fellow protesters who sacrificed their lives,” he told the court.&nbsp;Barman lost his left eye, while his right eye was damaged along with his lips, nose, and teeth.A video showing Barman’s blood-covered face was also played in court.&nbsp;The prosecution said it would present more testimonies of individuals injured during the protests and eyewitnesses in the coming days. The ICT, originally established to prosecute war crimes from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, indicted Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun on July 10. Last month, Hasina was also sentenced to six months in prison in absentia in a contempt of court case by the ICT.&nbsp;Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year amid escalating unrest and is currently residing in India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has sought Hasina's extradition, but India has yet to respond to the request.

The ICT, originally established to prosecute war crimes from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, started the trial against Sheikh Hasina on several charges, including killings and tortures to subdue the violent street campaign last year.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) started the trial of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia on Sunday over crimes against humanity related to the suppression of the uprising led by students in 2024. In his opening statement, the chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, described Hasina as the “nucleus of all crimes” and called for the maximum penalty. The prosecution also named Hasina’s two top aides, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullaah Al Mamun, as the co-accused. While Hasina and Kamal are being tried in absentia, Mamun is in custody and has agreed to be the approver in the case. The ICT started the trial against Hasina on several charges, including killings and tortures to subdue the violent street campaign last year by Students Against Discrimination (SAD) that eventually toppled her Awami League government on August 5, 2024. First witness testifies in trial The first witness in the trial, a man shot in the face during the protests, testified on Sunday. Khokon Chandra Barman, 23, wears a mask to conceal his face, which was ripped apart by gunshot on August 5, 2024. “I want justice for the ordeal I’ve been going through and for my fellow protesters who sacrificed their lives,” he told the court. Barman lost his left eye, while his right eye was damaged along with his lips, nose, and teeth. A video showing Barman’s blood-covered face was also played in court. The prosecution said it would present more testimonies of individuals injured during the protests and eyewitnesses in the coming days. The ICT, originally established to prosecute war crimes from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, indicted Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun on July 10. Last month, Hasina was also sentenced to six months in prison in absentia in a contempt of court case by the ICT. Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year amid escalating unrest and is currently residing in India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has sought Hasina's extradition, but India has yet to respond to the request.

The ICT, originally established to prosecute war crimes from Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, started the trial against Sheikh Hasina on several charges, including killings and tortures to subdue the violent street campaign last year.

Bangladesh tribunal starts Sheikh Hasina’s trial for ‘crimes against humanity’, first witness testifies

Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh prime minister who was ousted from power and the nation by a bloody uprising last year, had authorised a violent crackdown on the students' agitation. In a leaked audio, she purportedly authorised the use of lethal weapons against the protestors. Around 1400 people died in last year's unrest. Hasina, fearing reprisals, fled to India in a military chopper from Dhaka.&nbsp;In the audio, leaked in March and verified by the BBC, the former Bangladesh leader authorised security forces to "use lethal weapons" and said that "wherever they find them, they will shoot". The protests, which began as an agitation against job quotas for the relatives of those who fought the war of independence against Pakistan, descended into utter chaos, with lakhs of citizens engaging in violent protests, which subsequently forced Hasina to flee Bangladesh.&nbsp;The call in which she allegedly gave the order took place on July 18, BBC reported, citing sources. Bangladesh's Criminal Investigation Department has claimed that the voice in the call matched that of the ousted politician, who is facing criminal proceedings in absentia in a host of cases.&nbsp;The Awami League, Hasina's beleaguered party, said it can't confirm the authenticity of the tape. The report also claimed underreporting of the number of people killed in the police's crackdown on the agitation. 60 police officers had been arrested over their alleged role in the violence.&nbsp;The International Crimes Tribunal last month sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case.&nbsp;Hasina has been charged in absentia with committing crimes against humanity. She is also facing a case over allegedly issuing orders that led to the mass killings of protestors.&nbsp;Her party, meanwhile, categorically denied the charges.&nbsp;"The Awami League categorically denies and rejects claims that some of its senior leaders, including the prime minister herself, were personally responsible for or directed the use of lethal force against crowds," a spokesperson for the party said.&nbsp;It further added that the decisions made by the government in response to the agitation were proportionate and made in good faith.

Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh prime minister who was ousted from power and the nation by a bloody uprising last year, had authorised a violent crackdown on the students' agitation.

Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh prime minister who was ousted from power and the nation by a bloody uprising last year, had authorised a violent crackdown on the students' agitation. In a leaked audio, she purportedly authorised the use of lethal weapons against the protestors. Around 1400 people died in last year's unrest. Hasina, fearing reprisals, fled to India in a military chopper from Dhaka. In the audio, leaked in March and verified by the BBC, the former Bangladesh leader authorised security forces to "use lethal weapons" and said that "wherever they find them, they will shoot". The protests, which began as an agitation against job quotas for the relatives of those who fought the war of independence against Pakistan, descended into utter chaos, with lakhs of citizens engaging in violent protests, which subsequently forced Hasina to flee Bangladesh. The call in which she allegedly gave the order took place on July 18, BBC reported, citing sources. Bangladesh's Criminal Investigation Department has claimed that the voice in the call matched that of the ousted politician, who is facing criminal proceedings in absentia in a host of cases. The Awami League, Hasina's beleaguered party, said it can't confirm the authenticity of the tape. The report also claimed underreporting of the number of people killed in the police's crackdown on the agitation. 60 police officers had been arrested over their alleged role in the violence. The International Crimes Tribunal last month sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case. Hasina has been charged in absentia with committing crimes against humanity. She is also facing a case over allegedly issuing orders that led to the mass killings of protestors. Her party, meanwhile, categorically denied the charges. "The Awami League categorically denies and rejects claims that some of its senior leaders, including the prime minister herself, were personally responsible for or directed the use of lethal force against crowds," a spokesperson for the party said. It further added that the decisions made by the government in response to the agitation were proportionate and made in good faith.

The International Crimes Tribunal last month sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case.

Sheikh Hasina gave lethal weapons, find-and-shoot orders against Bangladesh protestors: Report

The International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday sentenced Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case, according to local media, the Dhaka Tribune report. Her sentence will take effect immediately from the day of her arrest or surrender.The quantum of punishment for Hasina was decided by a three-member bench of the ICT-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Martuza Mozumdar, according to report.This marks the first conviction for the former Awami League leader since she departed office and left the country almost a year ago.Moreover, the tribunal also announced a two-month prison sentence to Shakil Akand Bulbul from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha in the same ruling.<h2>Here's what we know</h2>Earlier on July 1, Sheikh Hasina denied accusations that she committed crimes against humanity after prosecutors filed five charges against her in connection with abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation and conspiracy and failure to prevent mass murder. All this leads to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law.According to the Dhaka Tribune report, the case was filed against Hasina after a phone call was leaked, which she allegedly made to Shakil Akand Bulbul in October last year.In the audio, the voice identified as Hasina, said, "227 cases have been filed against me, so I have obtained a licence to kill 227 people".The prosecution argued that this amounts to contempt of court, as it threatens the judicial process and intimidates war crimes.Notably, the ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971.Earlier, Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor at Bangladesh’s domestic International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), alleged that Hasina orchestrated a “systemic attack” on protests against her government.Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule in Bangladesh ended on August 5 last year after a violent uprising. Hasina resigned and fled to India after the protesters almost converged on her official residence in Dhaka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The quantum of punishment for Hasina was decided by a three-member bench of the ICT-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Martuza Mozumdar, according to report.

The International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday sentenced Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case, according to local media, the Dhaka Tribune report. Her sentence will take effect immediately from the day of her arrest or surrender. The quantum of punishment for Hasina was decided by a three-member bench of the ICT-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Martuza Mozumdar, according to report. This marks the first conviction for the former Awami League leader since she departed office and left the country almost a year ago. Moreover, the tribunal also announced a two-month prison sentence to Shakil Akand Bulbul from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha in the same ruling. Here's what we know Earlier on July 1, Sheikh Hasina denied accusations that she committed crimes against humanity after prosecutors filed five charges against her in connection with abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation and conspiracy and failure to prevent mass murder. All this leads to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. According to the Dhaka Tribune report, the case was filed against Hasina after a phone call was leaked, which she allegedly made to Shakil Akand Bulbul in October last year. In the audio, the voice identified as Hasina, said, "227 cases have been filed against me, so I have obtained a licence to kill 227 people". The prosecution argued that this amounts to contempt of court, as it threatens the judicial process and intimidates war crimes. Notably, the ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971. Earlier, Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor at Bangladesh’s domestic International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), alleged that Hasina orchestrated a “systemic attack” on protests against her government. Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule in Bangladesh ended on August 5 last year after a violent uprising. Hasina resigned and fled to India after the protesters almost converged on her official residence in Dhaka.

The quantum of punishment for Hasina was decided by a three-member bench of the ICT-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Martuza Mozumdar, according to report.

Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina sentenced to 6 months in prison in contempt of court case - Here's what we know

Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh: Minority groups in Bangladesh held protests in Dhaka on Friday (June 27) after a makeshift temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga was demolished by the South Asian nation's rail authorities. India has condemened the demolition, saying extremist groups were clamouring for its destruction, and slamming the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.<h2>What happened to the Durga Temple in Bangladesh?</h2>The Durga temple located in Khilkhet, Dhaka was demolished by Bangladesh Railway authorities on Thursday. According to reports, the authorities claimed that the temple was built illegally on railway land. The temple committee secretary, Arjun Roy, said there was no prior notice, adding "We are very disheartened over the incident."<h2>How the demolition of Hindu temple in Bangladesh took place</h2>According to reports, more than 500 people, carrying sticks, surrounded the temple before its demolition. The mob demanded the temple's removal. Bulldozers arrived at the scene and the Durga temple was demolished amid a large police presence, said the reports. The temple destruction led to widespread anger among Bangladeshi Hindus.<h2>Protests in Bangladesh over Hindu temple demolition</h2>On Friday, a human chain protest was held in Dhaka by minority organisations such as the Bangladesh Sanatani Group and Sanatani Andolan in Shahbagh. Calling the demolition a 'brutal scene that hurt our sentiments’, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council's Manindra Kumar Nath said, "We condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy. In protest of this, the Sanatani society has woken up today."Nath said the government was "instigating a particular community." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed</a> The protestors plan to hold a rally at the Dhaka Press club to condmen the silence of Mohammad Yunus' interim government. "Unfortunately, this government is carrying out such condemnable acts... labelling these incidents as rumours," news agency ANI quoted Nath as saying. Organisations like the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, the Mahanagor Sarbojanin Puja Committee, and the Minority Rights Movement condemned the incident. Critics noted that other nearby illegal structures were spared from the demoltion drive evan as the temple was targetted.<h2>India reacts strongly to Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh</h2>On Thursday, India reacted strongly to the demoltion of the Hindu temple in Bangladesh, slamming the interim government. During his weekly press briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka."The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use... This resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted," Jaiswal said.He reminded the Bangladesh interim govement of its dut to protect Hindus, their properties and religious institutions. Since the ouster of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed several attacks on Hindus and minority communities

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy even as India slammed the Bangladeshi government.

Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh: Minority groups in Bangladesh held protests in Dhaka on Friday (June 27) after a makeshift temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga was demolished by the South Asian nation's rail authorities. India has condemened the demolition, saying extremist groups were clamouring for its destruction, and slamming the interim government of Muhammad Yunus. What happened to the Durga Temple in Bangladesh? The Durga temple located in Khilkhet, Dhaka was demolished by Bangladesh Railway authorities on Thursday. According to reports, the authorities claimed that the temple was built illegally on railway land. The temple committee secretary, Arjun Roy, said there was no prior notice, adding "We are very disheartened over the incident." How the demolition of Hindu temple in Bangladesh took place According to reports, more than 500 people, carrying sticks, surrounded the temple before its demolition. The mob demanded the temple's removal. Bulldozers arrived at the scene and the Durga temple was demolished amid a large police presence, said the reports. The temple destruction led to widespread anger among Bangladeshi Hindus. Protests in Bangladesh over Hindu temple demolition On Friday, a human chain protest was held in Dhaka by minority organisations such as the Bangladesh Sanatani Group and Sanatani Andolan in Shahbagh. Calling the demolition a 'brutal scene that hurt our sentiments’, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council's Manindra Kumar Nath said, "We condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy. In protest of this, the Sanatani society has woken up today." Nath said the government was "instigating a particular community." https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bans-awami-league-under-anti-terrorism-act-9056516/embed The protestors plan to hold a rally at the Dhaka Press club to condmen the silence of Mohammad Yunus' interim government. "Unfortunately, this government is carrying out such condemnable acts... labelling these incidents as rumours," news agency ANI quoted Nath as saying. Organisations like the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, the Mahanagor Sarbojanin Puja Committee, and the Minority Rights Movement condemned the incident. Critics noted that other nearby illegal structures were spared from the demoltion drive evan as the temple was targetted. India reacts strongly to Durga temple demolition in Bangladesh On Thursday, India reacted strongly to the demoltion of the Hindu temple in Bangladesh, slamming the interim government. During his weekly press briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We understand that extremists were clamouring for demolishing the Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka. "The interim government, instead of providing security to the temple, projected the episode as illegal land use... This resulted in damage to the deity before it was shifted," Jaiswal said. He reminded the Bangladesh interim govement of its dut to protect Hindus, their properties and religious institutions. Since the ouster of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina in 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed several attacks on Hindus and minority communities

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council condemned such acts of destructive and violent religious frenzy even as India slammed the Bangladeshi government.

Hindu temple demolished in Bangladesh: Minority groups protest, India slams interim government

Bangladesh’s interim chief Muhammad Yunus announced on Friday (June 7) that the nation will hold its first-ever election after Sheikh Hasina’s fall in April 2026. The 84-year-old said in a video message, “I am announcing to the citizens of the country that the election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026.”&nbsp;Yunus is currently leading the caretaker government in Bangladesh after the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, after she faced massive outrage from students in the country.&nbsp;The rise and fall&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of former Bangladesh president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, became the prime minister of the country in 1996. Later on, she was chosen to head the country in the same post in 2009 as well. Her second term witnessed an impressive economic growth in Bangladesh.&nbsp;But later on, her 15 years in power were marked by a period of human rights violations in the country. She was accused of being a hardliner.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here’s a timeline of Sheikh Hasina’s rise and fall of power:&nbsp;December 29, 2008&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won the general election, and she became the PM for the second time.February 2009 &nbsp;&nbsp;The Bangladesh Rifles, a paramilitary force, revolted, and over 4 people were killed. But Hasina's government managed to restore order.&nbsp;June 2011&nbsp;Hasina’s government passed the 15th amendment to the constitution and brought significant changes, including removing neutral caretaker governments. This was despite the opposition saying that the caretaker system is essential for free and fair elections.&nbsp;February 2013&nbsp;Mass protests in Shahbagh, Dhaka, call for the death penalty for those who committed atrocities during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.&nbsp;January 5, 2014&nbsp;Again, the Awami League won the general election.&nbsp;March 2020&nbsp;Bangladesh’s economy suffers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A lockdown causes price rises, which lead to a cost-of-living crisis.&nbsp; July 2024 &nbsp;&nbsp;Students in the country launched a protest against government job quotas - which reserved one-third of civil service posts for descendants of people who fought in the 1971 war for independence.&nbsp;&nbsp;August 5, 2024&nbsp;Hasina resigns and flees the country. Protesters stormed the prime minister’s residence.

Bangladesh to hold elections in April 2026, first after Sheikh Hasina ouster - here is her journey from being Iron lady to hardliner


Bangladesh’s interim chief Muhammad Yunus announced on Friday (June 7) that the nation will hold its first-ever election after Sheikh Hasina’s fall in April 2026. The 84-year-old said in a video message, “I am announcing to the citizens of the country that the election will be held on any day in the first half of April 2026.” Yunus is currently leading the caretaker government in Bangladesh after the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, after she faced massive outrage from students in the country. The rise and fall Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of former Bangladesh president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, became the prime minister of the country in 1996. Later on, she was chosen to head the country in the same post in 2009 as well. Her second term witnessed an impressive economic growth in Bangladesh. But later on, her 15 years in power were marked by a period of human rights violations in the country. She was accused of being a hardliner. Here’s a timeline of Sheikh Hasina’s rise and fall of power: December 29, 2008 Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won the general election, and she became the PM for the second time. February 2009 The Bangladesh Rifles, a paramilitary force, revolted, and over 4 people were killed. But Hasina's government managed to restore order. June 2011 Hasina’s government passed the 15th amendment to the constitution and brought significant changes, including removing neutral caretaker governments. This was despite the opposition saying that the caretaker system is essential for free and fair elections. February 2013 Mass protests in Shahbagh, Dhaka, call for the death penalty for those who committed atrocities during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. January 5, 2014 Again, the Awami League won the general election. March 2020 Bangladesh’s economy suffers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A lockdown causes price rises, which lead to a cost-of-living crisis. July 2024 Students in the country launched a protest against government job quotas - which reserved one-third of civil service posts for descendants of people who fought in the 1971 war for independence. August 5, 2024 Hasina resigns and flees the country. Protesters stormed the prime minister’s residence.

Bangladesh’s interim chief Muhammad Yunus announced on Friday (June 7) that the nation will hold its first-ever election after Sheikh Hasina’s fall in April 2026. The 84-year-old announced it in a video message.&nbsp;

Bangladesh to hold elections in April 2026, first after Sheikh Hasina's ouster - here's her journey from being 'Iron lady' to hardliner

Bangladesh has begun issuing redesigned banknotes from Sunday, 1 June, that no longer feature the portrait of the country’s founding father and former prime minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.For decades, Rahman’s image appeared on every denomination of the Bangladeshi currency. He is also the father of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister whose removal has sparked political unrest across the country.<h2>A shift after political change</h2>Following the exit of Sheikh Hasina from power, Bangladesh Bank confirmed last year that it planned to update its banknotes. Now, that plan has come into effect.Speaking to AFP, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the new currency design will shift focus entirely away from individuals."Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks," Khan explained.<h2>Notes to highlight heritage and nature</h2>According to AFP, the new designs will include illustrations of Hindu and Buddhist temples, the work of late artist Zainul Abedin, and the National Martyrs’ Memorial, which honours those who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.The redesigned notes aim to highlight Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, rather than any political figures.<h2>Not the first redesign in Bangladesh’s history</h2>This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has made major changes to its currency. In 1972, after its liberation from Pakistan, the country released notes featuring a map of the newly formed nation.Subsequent series included Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait as the leader of the Awami League. However, during times when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party held power, currency designs focused more on historical and archaeological sites.<h2>New notes rolled out in stages</h2>Bangladesh Bank has so far released notes in three different denominations. "The new notes will be issued from the central bank's headquarters, and later from its other offices across the country," Khan added. "The other denominations of the notes with new designs will be released in phases."

For decades, Rahman’s image appeared on every denomination of the Bangladeshi currency. He is also the father of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister whose removal has sparked political unrest across the country.

Bangladesh has begun issuing redesigned banknotes from Sunday, 1 June, that no longer feature the portrait of the country’s founding father and former prime minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. For decades, Rahman’s image appeared on every denomination of the Bangladeshi currency. He is also the father of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister whose removal has sparked political unrest across the country. A shift after political change Following the exit of Sheikh Hasina from power, Bangladesh Bank confirmed last year that it planned to update its banknotes. Now, that plan has come into effect. Speaking to AFP, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the new currency design will shift focus entirely away from individuals. "Under the new series and design, the notes will not feature any human portraits, but will instead showcase natural landscapes and traditional landmarks," Khan explained. Notes to highlight heritage and nature According to AFP, the new designs will include illustrations of Hindu and Buddhist temples, the work of late artist Zainul Abedin, and the National Martyrs’ Memorial, which honours those who lost their lives during the 1971 Liberation War. The redesigned notes aim to highlight Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, rather than any political figures. Not the first redesign in Bangladesh’s history This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has made major changes to its currency. In 1972, after its liberation from Pakistan, the country released notes featuring a map of the newly formed nation. Subsequent series included Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's portrait as the leader of the Awami League. However, during times when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party held power, currency designs focused more on historical and archaeological sites. New notes rolled out in stages Bangladesh Bank has so far released notes in three different denominations. "The new notes will be issued from the central bank's headquarters, and later from its other offices across the country," Khan added. "The other denominations of the notes with new designs will be released in phases."

For decades, Rahman’s image appeared on every denomination of the Bangladeshi currency. He is also the father of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister whose removal has sparked political unrest across the country.

No more Mujib but Hindu, Buddhist temples: Bangladesh drops Hasina's father's image from new currency

The prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh formally charged former prime minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun for the violent crackdown on the July 2024 uprising led by students.&nbsp;Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated. Bangladesh Television (BTV), the country’s national broadcaster, telecast the proceedings live.&nbsp;The ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971.&nbsp;The 2024 student-led uprising that ultimately led to her ouster. The trial of the 77-year-old leader, currently living in self-imposed exile in India, began on Sunday.&nbsp;Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor at Bangladesh’s domestic International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), alleged that Hasina orchestrated a “systemic attack” on protests against her government.“Upon scrutinising the evidence, we reached the conclusion that it was a coordinated, widespread and systematic attack,” Islam told the court in his opening statement, said a Dhaka Tribune report.&nbsp;“The accused unleashed all law enforcement agencies and her armed party members to crush the uprising.” After taking the charges into cognisance, the tribunal directed investigators to produce all three accused before the court on June 16. Hasina and Kamal are absconding, while ex-IGP Mamun is already in custody.&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule in Bangladesh ended on August 5 last year after a violent uprising. Hasina resigned and fled to India after the protesters almost converged on her official residence in Dhaka.&nbsp;She faces multiple cases in Bangladeshi courts, where she is accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity and enforced disappearances.In a first, Bangladesh’s ICT allowed state-run BTV to broadcast the hearing of the case against the former prime minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;Islam brought charges of “abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass murder during the July uprising” against Hasina and the two men.“This is not an act of vendetta, but a commitment to the principle that, in a democratic country, there is no room for crimes against humanity,” he said.&nbsp;The investigators have gathered video footage, audio recordings, Hasina’s phone calls, documentation of helicopter and drone activity, along with testimonies from victims of the crackdown in their investigation.&nbsp;The case listed 81 people as witnesses, Islam said.

Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated. Bangladesh Television, the country’s national broadcaster, telecast the proceedings live. The ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971.

The prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh formally charged former prime minister Sheikh Hasina with crimes against humanity along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun for the violent crackdown on the July 2024 uprising led by students. Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated. Bangladesh Television (BTV), the country’s national broadcaster, telecast the proceedings live. The ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971. The 2024 student-led uprising that ultimately led to her ouster. The trial of the 77-year-old leader, currently living in self-imposed exile in India, began on Sunday. Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor at Bangladesh’s domestic International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), alleged that Hasina orchestrated a “systemic attack” on protests against her government. “Upon scrutinising the evidence, we reached the conclusion that it was a coordinated, widespread and systematic attack,” Islam told the court in his opening statement, said a Dhaka Tribune report. “The accused unleashed all law enforcement agencies and her armed party members to crush the uprising.” After taking the charges into cognisance, the tribunal directed investigators to produce all three accused before the court on June 16. Hasina and Kamal are absconding, while ex-IGP Mamun is already in custody. Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule in Bangladesh ended on August 5 last year after a violent uprising. Hasina resigned and fled to India after the protesters almost converged on her official residence in Dhaka. She faces multiple cases in Bangladeshi courts, where she is accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity and enforced disappearances. In a first, Bangladesh’s ICT allowed state-run BTV to broadcast the hearing of the case against the former prime minister. Islam brought charges of “abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation, conspiracy, and failure to prevent mass murder during the July uprising” against Hasina and the two men. “This is not an act of vendetta, but a commitment to the principle that, in a democratic country, there is no room for crimes against humanity,” he said. The investigators have gathered video footage, audio recordings, Hasina’s phone calls, documentation of helicopter and drone activity, along with testimonies from victims of the crackdown in their investigation. The case listed 81 people as witnesses, Islam said.

Hasina has rejected the charges as politically motivated. Bangladesh Television, the country’s national broadcaster, telecast the proceedings live. The ICT was set up by Hasina in 2009 to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971.

Sheikh Hasina charged with ‘crimes against humanity’ as trial begins in Bangladesh

Senior leaders of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), the Pakistan-based extremist outfit founded by 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, have claimed credit for the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, saying that they took revenge for Pakistan’s dismemberment in 1971, and revealed that they played a role in the massive anti-government protests last year in Dhaka.The provocative claims were made in public speeches earlier this week by JuD leaders Saifullah Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi.Hashmi is a UN-designated terrorist.&nbsp;Speaking at a rally in Allahabad, near Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Kasuri invoked the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and called the 2024 unrest in Dhaka a “revenge” for it. &nbsp;“I was four years old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi had declared that she’d drowned the two-nation theory in Khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, l …we have taken the revenge of 1971,” Kasuri said while addressing supporters in Allahabad, about 400 km from Lahore. &nbsp;Kasuri was referring to the 1971 Liberation War, in which Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) gained independence following Pakistan’s surrender to Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters. &nbsp;In the speech, Kasuri also confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa/Laskar-e-Taiba headquarters in Pakistan’s Muridke were hit by Indian airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, and admitted that one of his associates, Mudassar, was “cut into pieces” in the attack.&nbsp;“I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot,” Kasuri said, but did not reveal who did not let him attend the burial, though senior officers of the military, police, and civilian administration of Punjab province attended the funeral of Mudassar and two other JuD members as was revealed in several photographs in the media, underlining the terror outfit’s clout and backing by the Pakistani establishment.&nbsp;<h2>‘We are preparing the next generation for jihad...We are not afraid of dying’</h2>&nbsp;Referring to the April 22 attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Kasuri said, “I was in my constituency meeting with the people when the Pahalgam incident took place. India made me the mastermind of this attack. India made my city, Kasur, popular in the world.”&nbsp;He then menacingly said, “We are preparing the next generation for jihad...We are not afraid of dying.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, speaking at an event in Gujranwala, about 80 km from Lahore, Muzammil Hashmi addressed Indian leadership, saying, “We defeated you in Bangladesh last year...”Hashmi’s remarks referred to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, which came after large-scale student-led anti-government protests.Following her removal, Hasina fled to India, and three days later, Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as the Chief Adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh.Consequently, diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have improved dramatically after Hasina’s departure.&nbsp;These admissions by senior leaders of the terrorist groups expose Pakistan’s duplicity and again bring Islamabad under international scrutiny for its backing to extremist elements.&nbsp;Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani remarked, “The rhetoric of Jihadi extremists at their public rallies makes it difficult for the rest of the world to believe official assertions that Pakistan is no longer sponsoring them.”

In the speech, Kasuri also confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa/Laskar-e-Taiba headquarters in Pakistan’s Muridke were hit by Indian airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, and admitted that one of his associates, Mudassar, was “cut into pieces” in the attack.

Senior leaders of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), the Pakistan-based extremist outfit founded by 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed, have claimed credit for the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, saying that they took revenge for Pakistan’s dismemberment in 1971, and revealed that they played a role in the massive anti-government protests last year in Dhaka. The provocative claims were made in public speeches earlier this week by JuD leaders Saifullah Kasuri and Muzammil Hashmi. Hashmi is a UN-designated terrorist. Speaking at a rally in Allahabad, near Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Kasuri invoked the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and called the 2024 unrest in Dhaka a “revenge” for it. “I was four years old when Pakistan was dismembered in 1971. The then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi had declared that she’d drowned the two-nation theory in Khaleej (Bay of Bengal). On May 10, l …we have taken the revenge of 1971,” Kasuri said while addressing supporters in Allahabad, about 400 km from Lahore. Kasuri was referring to the 1971 Liberation War, in which Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) gained independence following Pakistan’s surrender to Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters. In the speech, Kasuri also confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa/Laskar-e-Taiba headquarters in Pakistan’s Muridke were hit by Indian airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, and admitted that one of his associates, Mudassar, was “cut into pieces” in the attack. “I was not allowed to attend his funeral. On the day of his funeral, I cried a lot,” Kasuri said, but did not reveal who did not let him attend the burial, though senior officers of the military, police, and civilian administration of Punjab province attended the funeral of Mudassar and two other JuD members as was revealed in several photographs in the media, underlining the terror outfit’s clout and backing by the Pakistani establishment. ‘We are preparing the next generation for jihad...We are not afraid of dying’ Referring to the April 22 attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, Kasuri said, “I was in my constituency meeting with the people when the Pahalgam incident took place. India made me the mastermind of this attack. India made my city, Kasur, popular in the world.” He then menacingly said, “We are preparing the next generation for jihad...We are not afraid of dying.” Meanwhile, speaking at an event in Gujranwala, about 80 km from Lahore, Muzammil Hashmi addressed Indian leadership, saying, “We defeated you in Bangladesh last year...” Hashmi’s remarks referred to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, which came after large-scale student-led anti-government protests. Following her removal, Hasina fled to India, and three days later, Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as the Chief Adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh. Consequently, diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have improved dramatically after Hasina’s departure. These admissions by senior leaders of the terrorist groups expose Pakistan’s duplicity and again bring Islamabad under international scrutiny for its backing to extremist elements. Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani remarked, “The rhetoric of Jihadi extremists at their public rallies makes it difficult for the rest of the world to believe official assertions that Pakistan is no longer sponsoring them.”

In the speech, Kasuri also confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa/Laskar-e-Taiba headquarters in Pakistan’s Muridke were hit by Indian airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, and admitted that one of his associates, Mudassar, was “cut into pieces” in the attack.

‘Took revenge for 1971’: Hafiz Saeed’s terror outfit JuD claims credit for Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was defiant and unbending, ready to brave the violent students’ protests when senior Armed Forces officers urged her to step down, and shouted at them, “Then shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban.”The incident took place on the morning of August 5, 2024, a day that marked the collapse of her government.Hasina eventually resigned and fled to India hours before protesters entered Ganabhaban, the prime minister’s residence, and vandalised it.The scene was narrated by chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam during a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal, according to a report in Prothom Alo, a Bengali-language daily newspaper published from Dhaka.&nbsp;The chief prosecutor also submitted formal charges concerning crimes against humanity during the student protests in Dhaka’s Chankharpul.&nbsp;Providing a glimpse into the last hours of Hasina in Bangladesh during the hearing, the chief prosecutor said&nbsp;Parliament speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury had first asked Hasina to step down, but top leaders of the ruling Awami League rejected the proposal.&nbsp;<h2>‘Gang of Four’ stood firm behind Hasina</h2>&nbsp;According to the chief prosecutor, a close circle of loyalists, including Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan, Anisul Huq, and Salman F Rahman, dubbed the “Gang of Four”, stood firm behind Hasina, asking her not to flinch.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tajul Islam told the tribunal that a highly “tense and volatile” meeting took place in the night of August 4 at the PM’s residence, which saw heated arguments. The meeting was attended by senior Cabinet members and all the heads of security forces. &nbsp;The then-defence adviser, Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, suggested that Hasina resign, but she rejected the idea and directed the army chief to stand firm and crush the protests. The violent protests, which left over 500 dead, had been continuing for over two months against a controversial quota system in government jobs.Siddique then suggested the army shoot at some protesters in an attempt to suppress the protests and went on to propose firing at the crowd from helicopters, the report said, citing the prosecutor.&nbsp;The next morning, on August 5, military and police officials held another round of meetings with Hasina as the protests went out of control. The police told Hasina that the force was “nearly exhausted” and they were out of arms and ammunition.The army officials again suggested that Hasina resign. However, a furious Hasina shot back, “Then shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Time running out, protesters approaching Ganabhaban from all sides’</h2> The military officials then held a separate meeting with Hasina and said protesters were approaching Ganabhaban from all sides and time was running out. At that moment, Hasina’s younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, urged her to quit and fell at the feet of Hasina, who still remained unfazed. As a last resort, the military then contacted Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the United States. Joy persuaded Hasina to step down and avoid bloodshed. The Awami League chief wanted to record a speech to be aired on TV but the military officials turned down the request and gave her only 45 minutes to leave as tens of thousands reached the gates of Ganabhaban. Hasina then left for India in a helicopter with her sister.

Tajul Islam told the tribunal that a highly “tense and volatile” meeting took place in the night of August 4 at the PM’s residence, which saw heated arguments. The meeting was attended by senior Cabinet members and all the heads of security forces.

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was defiant and unbending, ready to brave the violent students’ protests when senior Armed Forces officers urged her to step down, and shouted at them, “Then shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban.” The incident took place on the morning of August 5, 2024, a day that marked the collapse of her government. Hasina eventually resigned and fled to India hours before protesters entered Ganabhaban, the prime minister’s residence, and vandalised it. The scene was narrated by chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam during a hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal, according to a report in Prothom Alo, a Bengali-language daily newspaper published from Dhaka. The chief prosecutor also submitted formal charges concerning crimes against humanity during the student protests in Dhaka’s Chankharpul. Providing a glimpse into the last hours of Hasina in Bangladesh during the hearing, the chief prosecutor said Parliament speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury had first asked Hasina to step down, but top leaders of the ruling Awami League rejected the proposal. ‘Gang of Four’ stood firm behind Hasina According to the chief prosecutor, a close circle of loyalists, including Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan, Anisul Huq, and Salman F Rahman, dubbed the “Gang of Four”, stood firm behind Hasina, asking her not to flinch. Tajul Islam told the tribunal that a highly “tense and volatile” meeting took place in the night of August 4 at the PM’s residence, which saw heated arguments. The meeting was attended by senior Cabinet members and all the heads of security forces. The then-defence adviser, Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, suggested that Hasina resign, but she rejected the idea and directed the army chief to stand firm and crush the protests. The violent protests, which left over 500 dead, had been continuing for over two months against a controversial quota system in government jobs. Siddique then suggested the army shoot at some protesters in an attempt to suppress the protests and went on to propose firing at the crowd from helicopters, the report said, citing the prosecutor. The next morning, on August 5, military and police officials held another round of meetings with Hasina as the protests went out of control. The police told Hasina that the force was “nearly exhausted” and they were out of arms and ammunition. The army officials again suggested that Hasina resign. However, a furious Hasina shot back, “Then shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban.” ‘Time running out, protesters approaching Ganabhaban from all sides’ The military officials then held a separate meeting with Hasina and said protesters were approaching Ganabhaban from all sides and time was running out. At that moment, Hasina’s younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, urged her to quit and fell at the feet of Hasina, who still remained unfazed. As a last resort, the military then contacted Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the United States. Joy persuaded Hasina to step down and avoid bloodshed. The Awami League chief wanted to record a speech to be aired on TV but the military officials turned down the request and gave her only 45 minutes to leave as tens of thousands reached the gates of Ganabhaban. Hasina then left for India in a helicopter with her sister.

Tajul Islam told the tribunal that a highly “tense and volatile” meeting took place in the night of August 4 at the PM’s residence, which saw heated arguments. The meeting was attended by senior Cabinet members and all the heads of security forces.

‘Shoot me, bury me here in Ganabhaban,’ thundered defiant Sheikh Hasina before fleeing Dhaka

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a fresh attack on the interim government head Muhammad Yunus while accusing him of seizing power with the backing of militants and now “selling the country to the United States”. Her renewed attack comes amid growing friction between Yunus and Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman, who has demanded that elections be held by December this year.&nbsp;Yunus threatened to resign after the military called for general elections to be held in December, prompting fresh waves of protest across the nation.&nbsp;Hasina further accused Yunus of governing with the support of militant groups and condemned the recent ban on her party, the Awami League, calling it illegal and unconstitutional.In an audio message posted on her party’s Facebook account, Bangladesh’s ousted leader reiterated that Yunus seized power in Bangladesh government with the help of extremist groups.&nbsp;“He seized power with the help of terrorists, with the help of terrorists, all the terrorists, even those who are banned in various international arenas, from whom we protected the people of Bangladesh. After only one terrorist attack, we took strict measures. Many were arrested. Now prisons are empty. They released everyone. Now, Bangladesh is the reign of those militants,” she said.&nbsp;She alleged that Yunus has given the reins of the government to “terrorists”, against whom her government fought.&nbsp;“My father did not agree to America’s demands for St. Martin’s Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power,” she said.&nbsp;She recalled how Bangladeshis took up arms and fought along with her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for Bangladesh’s independence and said, “It can’t be anyone’s intention to give up even an inch of that country’s soil to anyone. But what a misfortune it is today. Such a person came to power, a person who is absolutely loved by the people of the whole country, a person who is loved by the world, and what happened to that person today when he came to power?”&nbsp;“The constitution of our great Bengali nation, we got it through a long struggle and the liberation war. Who gave this militant leader, who has illegally seized power, the right to touch the constitution? He does not have the mandate of the people and has no constitutional basis. That position (Chief Advisor) also has no basis, and it does not exist. So, how can he change the law without a parliament? This is illegal,” Hasina added.&nbsp;On Saturday, Yunus warned of public-backed action if pressure was piled on them through “unreasonable demands” after calls for elections from the army chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.&nbsp;Yunus was appointed as the transitional leader of the interim government on 7 August 2024, days after student-led protests against the government forced Hasina to resign as PM and flee Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Former PM Sheikh Hasina's renewed attack comes amid growing friction between Yunus and Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman, who has demanded that elections be held by December this year. Hasina accused Yunus of seizing power with the help of terrorists and now governing with their support.

Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a fresh attack on the interim government head Muhammad Yunus while accusing him of seizing power with the backing of militants and now “selling the country to the United States”. Her renewed attack comes amid growing friction between Yunus and Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman, who has demanded that elections be held by December this year. Yunus threatened to resign after the military called for general elections to be held in December, prompting fresh waves of protest across the nation. Hasina further accused Yunus of governing with the support of militant groups and condemned the recent ban on her party, the Awami League, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. In an audio message posted on her party’s Facebook account, Bangladesh’s ousted leader reiterated that Yunus seized power in Bangladesh government with the help of extremist groups. “He seized power with the help of terrorists, with the help of terrorists, all the terrorists, even those who are banned in various international arenas, from whom we protected the people of Bangladesh. After only one terrorist attack, we took strict measures. Many were arrested. Now prisons are empty. They released everyone. Now, Bangladesh is the reign of those militants,” she said. She alleged that Yunus has given the reins of the government to “terrorists”, against whom her government fought. “My father did not agree to America’s demands for St. Martin’s Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power,” she said. She recalled how Bangladeshis took up arms and fought along with her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for Bangladesh’s independence and said, “It can’t be anyone’s intention to give up even an inch of that country’s soil to anyone. But what a misfortune it is today. Such a person came to power, a person who is absolutely loved by the people of the whole country, a person who is loved by the world, and what happened to that person today when he came to power?” “The constitution of our great Bengali nation, we got it through a long struggle and the liberation war. Who gave this militant leader, who has illegally seized power, the right to touch the constitution? He does not have the mandate of the people and has no constitutional basis. That position (Chief Advisor) also has no basis, and it does not exist. So, how can he change the law without a parliament? This is illegal,” Hasina added. On Saturday, Yunus warned of public-backed action if pressure was piled on them through “unreasonable demands” after calls for elections from the army chief and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Yunus was appointed as the transitional leader of the interim government on 7 August 2024, days after student-led protests against the government forced Hasina to resign as PM and flee Bangladesh.

Former PM Sheikh Hasina's renewed attack comes amid growing friction between Yunus and Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman, who has demanded that elections be held by December this year. Hasina accused Yunus of seizing power with the help of terrorists and now governing with their support.

Yunus a ‘militant’ leader, selling off Bangladesh to US: Sheikh Hasina

Legal and political crackdown on deposed leader Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League continues in Bangladesh. In a latest setback to Hasina, Bangladesh Election Commission has officially suspended the registration of Awami League. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh: Yunus led government bans Hasina's Awami league under anti-terrorism act

In a significant political development, Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday banned the Awami League, the party long led by former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sheikh-hasina">Sheikh Hasina</a>. This move follows a period of growing tension and political unrest in the country, as the interim administration&mdash;backed by prominent civil society members and former Nobel laureate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/muhammad-yunus" rel="dofollow">Muhammad Yunus</a>&mdash;seeks to overhaul the nation's governance system.
&ldquo;The official gazette notification will be issued in this regard on the next working day,&rdquo; Yunus&rsquo;s office said, describing it as a &ldquo;statement of the Council of Advisers&rdquo; or the Cabinet.
The statement said the Council decided that the ban would remain effective until the completion of the &ldquo;trial of the Awami League and its leaders in Bangladesh&rsquo;s International Crimes Tribunal in the interest of protecting the country&rsquo;s security and sovereignty&rdquo;.
The Advisory Council also resolved to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days.
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The ban comes just months after Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in a political shake-up that has sharply divided public opinion. The interim government has accused the Awami League of widespread corruption, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of democratic institutions during its years in power.
<h2 data-start="598" data-end="1011">Awami League toppled last year&nbsp;</h2>
<div class="_1884">Hasina&rsquo;s 16-year-long <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/awami-league">Awami League</a> regime was toppled on August 5 last year in a student-led violent mass uprising prompting the 77-year-old former prime minister to flee to India.&nbsp;Three days after her ouster, Yunus took charge as the chief adviser of the interim government.</div>
<div class="_1884"></div>
<div class="_1884">
<div class="_1884">A large part of Students against Discrimination (SAD), which led the last year&rsquo;s movement that ousted Hasina, crystalised as the National Citizen Party (NCP) earlier this year.</div>
<div></div>
<div class="_1884">Formed in 1949, the Awami League led the movement for the autonomy of Bengalis in the then East Pakistan for decades and eventually led the Liberation War in 1971.</div>
<div class="_1884">
The United Nations human rights office in a report said in February 2025 that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during three weeks of anti-Hasina protest.
</div>
</div>

World: The announcement to ban Hasina’s party came after student-led National Citizen Party activists protested and carried out blockades across Dhaka demanding the ban

In a significant political development, Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday banned the Awami League, the party long led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This move follows a period of growing tension and political unrest in the country, as the interim administration—backed by prominent civil society members and former Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus—seeks to overhaul the nation's governance system. “The official gazette notification will be issued in this regard on the next working day,” Yunus’s office said, describing it as a “statement of the Council of Advisers” or the Cabinet. The statement said the Council decided that the ban would remain effective until the completion of the “trial of the Awami League and its leaders in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in the interest of protecting the country’s security and sovereignty”. The Advisory Council also resolved to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war: Putin proposes fresh talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, ignores Kyiv's call for 30-day ceasefire The ban comes just months after Sheikh Hasina was removed from office in a political shake-up that has sharply divided public opinion. The interim government has accused the Awami League of widespread corruption, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of democratic institutions during its years in power. Awami League toppled last year Hasina’s 16-year-long Awami League regime was toppled on August 5 last year in a student-led violent mass uprising prompting the 77-year-old former prime minister to flee to India. Three days after her ouster, Yunus took charge as the chief adviser of the interim government. A large part of Students against Discrimination (SAD), which led the last year’s movement that ousted Hasina, crystalised as the National Citizen Party (NCP) earlier this year. Formed in 1949, the Awami League led the movement for the autonomy of Bengalis in the then East Pakistan for decades and eventually led the Liberation War in 1971. The United Nations human rights office in a report said in February 2025 that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during three weeks of anti-Hasina protest.

Bangladesh interim government bans activities of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday evening officially banned the Awami League

Bangladesh Bans Awami League Under Anti-terrorism Act

Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-police-seek-red-corner-notice-for-ousted-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-8981431" rel="dofollow">Sheikh Hasina</a> has issued a statement condemning the horrific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-live-updates-jammu-kashmir-let-trf-news-tourists-death-injured-kashmir-bandh-pm-modi-visit-updates-8995660" rel="dofollow">Pahalgam terror attack</a> and said that it is a "grave threat to the creation of a humane world."
Extending support to India and highlighting her party, Bangladeshi Awami League's "zero tolerance towards terrorism," Hasina said that "those responsible for such barbaric attacks be brought to justice."
"We offer unwavering support for humanitarian political values across the globe. The terrorist attack in Kashmir is a grave threat to the creation of a humane world and a deep wound on the heart of human civilization. The Bangladesh Awami League will continue to lend full support in the global struggle against these extremist forces. We demand that those responsible for such barbaric attacks be brought to justice," Sheikh Hasina' statement stated.
"Our commitment lies in building a humane society, state, and world by fostering solidarity among people. We unequivocally and resolutely condemn such acts of terrorism," her statement added.
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh last year in August. She is reportedly in exile in India. The interim government in the neighbouring country is currently run by Muhammad Yunus. He took to X to condemn the attack, "We strongly condemn this heinous act. Let me reaffirm Bangladesh's resolute stand against terrorism."
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-pm-modi-breaks-tradition-switches-to-english-to-send-global-signal-on-fight-against-terrorism-8997196">Pahalgam terror attack: PM Modi breaks tradition, switches to English to send global signal on fight against terrorism</a>
<h2>Pahalgam terror attack and India's action against Pakistan</h2>
At least 27 people were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam&rsquo;s Baisaran valley on Tuesday (Apr 22). The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the horrific terror attack. Indian took swift action against Pakistan and halted the Indus Water Treaty temporarily, expelled diplomats closed Attari border, imposed visa restrictions and downgraded diplomatic ties.
Read More |
Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-pm-modi-breaks-tradition-switches-to-english-to-send-global-signal-on-fight-against-terrorism-8997196" rel="dofollow">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>while addressing a public rally in Bihar on Thursday (Apr 24) said, "I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in this time."
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2404_WION_MODI_ON_PAHALGAM_2PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2404_WION_MODI_ON_PAHALGAM_2PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=122&amp;tags=pahalgam, terror attack, wion" title="Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pm Modi Says Those Responsible Will Be Punished Beyond Their Imagination" id="PL_iframe_block-m9v7xr1i-j97chx90-6lk5cses"></iframe>

South Asia | Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a statement condemning the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and said that it is a "grave threat to the creation of a humane world."

Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a statement condemning the horrific Pahalgam terror attack and said that it is a "grave threat to the creation of a humane world." Extending support to India and highlighting her party, Bangladeshi Awami League's "zero tolerance towards terrorism," Hasina said that "those responsible for such barbaric attacks be brought to justice." "We offer unwavering support for humanitarian political values across the globe. The terrorist attack in Kashmir is a grave threat to the creation of a humane world and a deep wound on the heart of human civilization. The Bangladesh Awami League will continue to lend full support in the global struggle against these extremist forces. We demand that those responsible for such barbaric attacks be brought to justice," Sheikh Hasina' statement stated. "Our commitment lies in building a humane society, state, and world by fostering solidarity among people. We unequivocally and resolutely condemn such acts of terrorism," her statement added. Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh last year in August. She is reportedly in exile in India. The interim government in the neighbouring country is currently run by Muhammad Yunus. He took to X to condemn the attack, "We strongly condemn this heinous act. Let me reaffirm Bangladesh's resolute stand against terrorism." Read More | Pahalgam terror attack: PM Modi breaks tradition, switches to English to send global signal on fight against terrorism Pahalgam terror attack and India's action against Pakistan At least 27 people were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley on Tuesday (Apr 22). The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the horrific terror attack. Indian took swift action against Pakistan and halted the Indus Water Treaty temporarily, expelled diplomats closed Attari border, imposed visa restrictions and downgraded diplomatic ties. Read More | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a public rally in Bihar on Thursday (Apr 24) said, "I say to the whole world. India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in this time."

'Grave threat': Bangladesh's ousted leader Sheikh Hasina condemns Pahalgam terror attack, extends support to India

The national crimes bureau of Bangladesh police has formally requested Interpol to issue a red notice against 12 individuals including the former prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh seeks red corner notice against Hasina

Bangladesh’s deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces serious corruption charges in six cases, with a court issuing arrest warrants against her, her sister, and UK MP niece Tulip Siddiq. The allegations include illegal land acquisitions and abuse of power. Watch this report for more details!

Bangladesh court issues arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina

A Bangladeshi court on Thursday issued a new arrest warrant against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wajed Putul and 17 others in a graft case, accusing them of procuring a residential plot through "fraudulent" means.
On Thursday, Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib accepted the charge sheet submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). As the accused were absconding, the court issued arrest warrants against them.
"Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammad Zakir Hossain Galib issued the warrant accepting the ACC charge sheet in the case,&rdquo; the statutory graft agency's prosecutor Mir Ahammed Salam told reporters.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-pm-modi-yunus-meet-turn-the-tide-for-india-bangladesh-relations-in-post-hasina-era-what-analysts-say-8934952">Can PM Modi-Yunus meet turn the tide for India-Bangladesh relations in post Hasina-era, what analysts say</a>
He said the judge asked ACC to submit its investigation report on May 4 for hearing the charge involving the piece of leased out land by state-run Rajdhani Unyan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) in Purbachal area on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka. The ACC filed the case against the deposed premier on January 12, 2025, and the other co-accused, mostly government officials.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-writes-to-yunus-stresses-mutual-sensitivity-in-strengthening-india-bangladesh-ties-8895474" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties</a>
According to the charge sheet &ldquo;with malicious intent&rdquo;, Putul had illegally influenced her then-prime minister mother Hasina to get the plot and apply to her instead of RAJUK, violating the laws, rules, policies and legal procedures regarding the allocation of plots in the Purbachal New City Housing Project. The ACC alleged Putul had done that &ldquo;despite the fact that she and her family members owned a house or flat or housing facility in an area under the jurisdiction of RAJUK in Dhaka city". 
Putul is currently serving as the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) based in New Delhi since November 1, 2023.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/better-to-split-up-bangladesh-than-northeast-leaders-response-to-yunus-remark-8913690" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Better to split up Bangladesh than&hellip;&rsquo;: Northeast leader&rsquo;s response to Yunus remark</a>
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal earlier issued two identical arrest warrants against Hasina, her political colleagues and senior civil and military officials on charges like a crime against humanity and enforced disappearance as they are being prosecuted there. But Thursday's warrant came just a day after the ACC said it launched a new inquiry into the alleged &ldquo;wastage&rdquo; of Taka 4,000 crore by Hasina, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and a former official for &ldquo;Mujib Centenary&rdquo; celebrations. The ACC alleged that the amount it quoted was spent by the national exchequer.
He said the investigation into the matter, however, was underway as it began in January this year. "Our team is currently collecting information from various organisations." Bangladesh observed the yearlong celebration coinciding with the 100th birthday of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 while Hasina's Awami League was in power. Rehana did not hold any official position in the past regime while the third man to be investigated by ACC is Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, a former principal secretary to the government who served as the chief coordinator of the celebration after he retired from the government job.
WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sheikh-hasina-vows-to-return-to-bangladesh-calls-yunus-unfit-to-govern-bangladesh-8735410" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh, Calls Yunus 'Unfit' To Govern Bangladesh</a>
ACC chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen earlier this week said there was no difference between the former premier and a typical corrupt individual and &ldquo;the process to bring back a corrupt fugitive is the same, whether it's Hasina or anyone else&rdquo;.
Hasina is also accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances while these cases were being filed with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal was formed originally to try hardened collaborators of Pakistan troops during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and several of them were tried there and were executed as well subsequently after exhausting the appeal process.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | A Bangladeshi court issued a new arrest warrant against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wajed Putul and 17 others in a graft case

A Bangladeshi court on Thursday issued a new arrest warrant against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her daughter Saima Wajed Putul and 17 others in a graft case, accusing them of procuring a residential plot through "fraudulent" means. On Thursday, Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib accepted the charge sheet submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). As the accused were absconding, the court issued arrest warrants against them. "Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammad Zakir Hossain Galib issued the warrant accepting the ACC charge sheet in the case,” the statutory graft agency's prosecutor Mir Ahammed Salam told reporters. Read More | Can PM Modi-Yunus meet turn the tide for India-Bangladesh relations in post Hasina-era, what analysts say He said the judge asked ACC to submit its investigation report on May 4 for hearing the charge involving the piece of leased out land by state-run Rajdhani Unyan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) in Purbachal area on the outskirts of the capital Dhaka. The ACC filed the case against the deposed premier on January 12, 2025, and the other co-accused, mostly government officials. Read More | PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties According to the charge sheet “with malicious intent”, Putul had illegally influenced her then-prime minister mother Hasina to get the plot and apply to her instead of RAJUK, violating the laws, rules, policies and legal procedures regarding the allocation of plots in the Purbachal New City Housing Project. The ACC alleged Putul had done that “despite the fact that she and her family members owned a house or flat or housing facility in an area under the jurisdiction of RAJUK in Dhaka city". Putul is currently serving as the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organisation (WHO) based in New Delhi since November 1, 2023. Read More | ‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal earlier issued two identical arrest warrants against Hasina, her political colleagues and senior civil and military officials on charges like a crime against humanity and enforced disappearance as they are being prosecuted there. But Thursday's warrant came just a day after the ACC said it launched a new inquiry into the alleged “wastage” of Taka 4,000 crore by Hasina, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana and a former official for “Mujib Centenary” celebrations. The ACC alleged that the amount it quoted was spent by the national exchequer. He said the investigation into the matter, however, was underway as it began in January this year. "Our team is currently collecting information from various organisations." Bangladesh observed the yearlong celebration coinciding with the 100th birthday of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 while Hasina's Awami League was in power. Rehana did not hold any official position in the past regime while the third man to be investigated by ACC is Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, a former principal secretary to the government who served as the chief coordinator of the celebration after he retired from the government job. WATCH | Sheikh Hasina Vows To Return To Bangladesh, Calls Yunus 'Unfit' To Govern Bangladesh ACC chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen earlier this week said there was no difference between the former premier and a typical corrupt individual and “the process to bring back a corrupt fugitive is the same, whether it's Hasina or anyone else”. Hasina is also accused of numerous charges like mass murders and crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances while these cases were being filed with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal was formed originally to try hardened collaborators of Pakistan troops during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and several of them were tried there and were executed as well subsequently after exhausting the appeal process. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bangladesh court issues new arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina, her daughter in graft case

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has slammed the interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and said those targeting the Awami League members will be brought to justice.

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Promises Justice For Awami League Killings, Vows Return

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has slammed the interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and said those targeting the Awami League members will be brought to justice. Interacting with the family members of her party leaders during an interaction on social media, Hasina said, &ldquo;Allah kept me alive for a reason&rdquo;, and the &ldquo;day will come&rdquo; when those targeting Awami League members will be brought to justice.&nbsp; She slammed Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government while describing him as &ldquo;someone who never loved the people&rdquo;.&nbsp; &ldquo;He loaned out small amounts at high interest rates and used the money to live lavishly abroad. We could not understand his duplicity then, so we helped him a lot. But people did not benefit. He did well for himself. Then developed a lust for power that is burning Bangladesh now,&rdquo; said Hasina in the interaction while her camera was turned off.
The 77-year-old Awami League leader said Bangladesh, once seen as a model of development, has now turned into a &ldquo;terrorist country&rdquo;.&nbsp; &ldquo;Our leaders and workers are being killed in a way that cannot be described. Awami League, cops, lawyers, journalists, artists, everyone is being targeted.&rdquo;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-executions-rose-32-to-decade-high-iran-iraq-and-saudi-arabia-behind-sharp-surge-8939140">State executions rise 32% to decade high; Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia behind &lsquo;sharp surge&rsquo;</a> The former PM alleged a media clampdown in Bangladesh, saying, &ldquo;Rapes, murders, dacoities, nothing can be reported. And if it is reported, the TV channel or newspaper will be targeted.&rdquo; Recounting the horrific killings of her father, Bangladesh's first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and her entire family, Hasina said, &ldquo;I lost my father, mother, brother, everyone in one day. And then they did not let us return to the country. I know the pain of losing your own. Allah keeps protecting me, maybe he wants to get some good done through me. Those who have committed these crimes must be punished. This is my pledge,&rdquo; she said. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-calls-trump-asks-for-review-of-tariffs-more-talks-8936024">Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba calls Trump, asks for review of tariffs, more talks</a> When the family members of murdered Awami League workers and leaders recounted the atrocities against them, Hasina said, &ldquo;These are not humans, they will face justice. Allah will not tolerate this.&rdquo;&nbsp; When a woman shared how her father was killed, the Awami League leader replied, &ldquo;You will do justice, the way I did justice after my parents were killed. We will find them, the day will come. I believe this, or I would not be alive.&rdquo; When a supporter told her, &ldquo;May Allah grant you the opportunity again,&rdquo; she replied, &ldquo;He will. That&rsquo;s why Allah has kept me alive. I am coming.&rdquo; The strong remarks come even as the interim government in Bangladesh has been trying to extradite Sheikh Hasina. In their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, Yunus asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the status of the extradition request. He also said that Sheikh Hasina had been making &ldquo;inflammatory remarks&rdquo; in the media and &ldquo;trying to destabilise the situation&rdquo; in Bangladesh.&nbsp; Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-uks-birmingham-needs-the-pied-piper-as-rats-run-amok-in-city-amid-trash-piles-8933118">Video: UK&rsquo;s Birmingham needs the Pied Piper as rats run amok in city amid trash piles</a> PM Modi also underscored India&rsquo;s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

World | Bangladesh: When the family members of murdered Awami League workers and leaders recounted the atrocities against them, Hasina said, “These are not humans, they will face justice. Allah will not tolerate this.”

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has slammed the interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and said those targeting the Awami League members will be brought to justice. Interacting with the family members of her party leaders during an interaction on social media, Hasina said, “Allah kept me alive for a reason”, and the “day will come” when those targeting Awami League members will be brought to justice. She slammed Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government while describing him as “someone who never loved the people”. “He loaned out small amounts at high interest rates and used the money to live lavishly abroad. We could not understand his duplicity then, so we helped him a lot. But people did not benefit. He did well for himself. Then developed a lust for power that is burning Bangladesh now,” said Hasina in the interaction while her camera was turned off. The 77-year-old Awami League leader said Bangladesh, once seen as a model of development, has now turned into a “terrorist country”. “Our leaders and workers are being killed in a way that cannot be described. Awami League, cops, lawyers, journalists, artists, everyone is being targeted.” Also Read | State executions rise 32% to decade high; Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia behind ‘sharp surge’ The former PM alleged a media clampdown in Bangladesh, saying, “Rapes, murders, dacoities, nothing can be reported. And if it is reported, the TV channel or newspaper will be targeted.” Recounting the horrific killings of her father, Bangladesh's first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and her entire family, Hasina said, “I lost my father, mother, brother, everyone in one day. And then they did not let us return to the country. I know the pain of losing your own. Allah keeps protecting me, maybe he wants to get some good done through me. Those who have committed these crimes must be punished. This is my pledge,” she said. Also Read | Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba calls Trump, asks for review of tariffs, more talks When the family members of murdered Awami League workers and leaders recounted the atrocities against them, Hasina said, “These are not humans, they will face justice. Allah will not tolerate this.” When a woman shared how her father was killed, the Awami League leader replied, “You will do justice, the way I did justice after my parents were killed. We will find them, the day will come. I believe this, or I would not be alive.” When a supporter told her, “May Allah grant you the opportunity again,” she replied, “He will. That’s why Allah has kept me alive. I am coming.” The strong remarks come even as the interim government in Bangladesh has been trying to extradite Sheikh Hasina. In their meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, Yunus asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the status of the extradition request. He also said that Sheikh Hasina had been making “inflammatory remarks” in the media and “trying to destabilise the situation” in Bangladesh. Also Read | Video: UK’s Birmingham needs the Pied Piper as rats run amok in city amid trash piles PM Modi also underscored India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

‘Allah kept me alive for a reason’: Hasina slams Yunus, says Bangladesh has been turned into a ‘terrorist country’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Thailand to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, however, doubts persist over his meeting with Bangladesh&rsquo;s Chief Advisor Muhammed Yunus.
While Khalilur Rahman, high representative to the chief adviser, told the press in Dhaka that there was a "high possibility" of a meeting between the two leaders on Friday (Apr 4), PM Modi's itinerary shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not mention any such scheduled engagements. The statement only mentions the Indian PM's bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-china-sign-nine-agreements-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties-8903200" rel="dofollow">Bangladesh, China sign nine agreements to strengthen bilateral ties</a> As per reports, Bangladesh formally requested a meeting between Yunus and PM Modi. The MEA had earlier noted that the request was under consideration. Moreover, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his remarks at the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting referred to the northeast as a region that's emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC but did not mention Bangladesh.
BIMSTEC is a sub-regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, focused on economic and technical collaboration. Bangladesh is set to take over as the next chair. However, there was no mention of Bangladesh in the MEA's statement about the PM's travel to Thailand for the BIMSTEC Summit.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seven-indian-states-are-landlocked-yunus-invites-china-to-expand-calls-bangladesh-only-guardian-of-ocean-8911289" rel="dofollow">'Seven Indian states are landlocked': Yunus invites China to expand, calls Bangladesh 'only guardian of ocean'</a>
<h2>India-Bangladesh relations and Hasina's fall&nbsp;</h2>
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has faced turmoil following the overthrow of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, and her subsequent flight to India. When protests against former PM Shiekh Hasina began in Bangladesh, the immediate reaction of New Delhi was to call it "an internal matter". Unfortunately for India, the fallout from Hasina&rsquo;s ouster not only triggered violent reactions against Hasina and her family but also soured people-to-people connect between the two countries.&nbsp;
Hasina&rsquo;s 2024 election victory became controversial amid allegations of vote rigging and manipulation. As she rose to power for the fifth time, Hasina dismissed the student-led protest over reservation law but it ultimately led to her ouster. Following her exit, anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh rose as Delhi was seen as a &ldquo;friend&rdquo; of Hasina.
Hasina has since then stayed in India but New Delhi has not responded to Bangladesh&rsquo;s formal request for her extradition.&nbsp;
<h2>India's outreach to the interim government under Yunus</h2>
Muhammed Yunus assumed office after a four-day political vacuum following Sheikh Hasina's ouster after 15 years in power. India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Yunus, wherein the Indian PM reiterated his call for safety and security of the "Hindus and all other minority communities" in Bangladesh. This appeal for the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh was viewed as partisan by some sections in Dhaka.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m910f3hf-s6vepg2x-2zagbj2f">
Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefAdviserGoB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChiefAdviserGoB</a>. Exchanged views on the prevailing situation. Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1824395924086354148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/better-to-split-up-bangladesh-than-northeast-leaders-response-to-yunus-remark-8913690" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Better to split up Bangladesh than&hellip;&rsquo;: Northeast leader&rsquo;s response to Yunus remark</a>
PM Modi has not met Yunus yet. Furthermore, the Bangladesh interim head chose China as the first country to visit for a bilateral meeting. Despite this, the Indian PM in March wrote a letter to Yunus to mark Bangladesh&rsquo;s National Day. He emphasised the importance of mutual sensitivity between the two nations, while referencing the Bangladesh Liberation War as a "shared history." PM Modi reaffirmed India&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
"This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," PM Modi wrote in the letter to Yunus.&nbsp;
However, ties remain strained over Hasina's continued presence in India.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-writes-to-yunus-stresses-mutual-sensitivity-in-strengthening-india-bangladesh-ties-8895474" rel="dofollow">PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties</a>
Moreover, whenever elections are scheduled in Bangladesh, BNP may come back to power, which brings to mind memories of&nbsp;India's difficult experience with the BNP government from 2001 to 2006. Back then, Bangladesh harboured anti-India groups and aligned with China and Pakistan.&nbsp;
On the economic front, Dhaka has turned to China, signing a $1 billion MoU to implement the Teesta Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project after a long-pending Teesta water treaty agreement with India.
On the trade front, Bangladesh is facing a deficit. In FY 2023&ndash;24, Bangladesh exported only $1.97 billion worth of goods to India, while imports from India soared to $14.01 billion, resulting in a &nbsp;$12 billion trade gap.&nbsp;
<h2>Bangladesh's growing ties with China and Pakistan</h2>
Bangladesh's growing bonhomie with Pakistan 54 years after its independence from the country is a cause of concern for India. Along with this, Yunus' recent visit to China and his remark claiming the northeast as "landlocked" and Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" has also raised eyebrows.
The arrival of a cargo ship carrying rice from Pakistan at the Chittagong port in early March not only revived a maritime link between the two nations but also marked a paradigm shift in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Moreover, the commemoration of&nbsp;Muhammad Ali Jinnah's death anniversary&nbsp;at the National Press Club in Dhaka marks a shift in people-to-people engagement between the two countries.

World, India News | Doubts persist over PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammed Yunus' meeting at the sidelines of BIMSTEC Summit. A look at Bangladesh-India relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Thailand to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, however, doubts persist over his meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammed Yunus. While Khalilur Rahman, high representative to the chief adviser, told the press in Dhaka that there was a "high possibility" of a meeting between the two leaders on Friday (Apr 4), PM Modi's itinerary shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not mention any such scheduled engagements. The statement only mentions the Indian PM's bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand. Read More | Bangladesh, China sign nine agreements to strengthen bilateral ties As per reports, Bangladesh formally requested a meeting between Yunus and PM Modi. The MEA had earlier noted that the request was under consideration. Moreover, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in his remarks at the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting referred to the northeast as a region that's emerging as a connectivity hub for the BIMSTEC but did not mention Bangladesh. BIMSTEC is a sub-regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, focused on economic and technical collaboration. Bangladesh is set to take over as the next chair. However, there was no mention of Bangladesh in the MEA's statement about the PM's travel to Thailand for the BIMSTEC Summit. Read More | 'Seven Indian states are landlocked': Yunus invites China to expand, calls Bangladesh 'only guardian of ocean' India-Bangladesh relations and Hasina's fall The relationship between India and Bangladesh has faced turmoil following the overthrow of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, and her subsequent flight to India. When protests against former PM Shiekh Hasina began in Bangladesh, the immediate reaction of New Delhi was to call it "an internal matter". Unfortunately for India, the fallout from Hasina’s ouster not only triggered violent reactions against Hasina and her family but also soured people-to-people connect between the two countries. Hasina’s 2024 election victory became controversial amid allegations of vote rigging and manipulation. As she rose to power for the fifth time, Hasina dismissed the student-led protest over reservation law but it ultimately led to her ouster. Following her exit, anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh rose as Delhi was seen as a “friend” of Hasina. Hasina has since then stayed in India but New Delhi has not responded to Bangladesh’s formal request for her extradition. India's outreach to the interim government under Yunus Muhammed Yunus assumed office after a four-day political vacuum following Sheikh Hasina's ouster after 15 years in power. India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Yunus, wherein the Indian PM reiterated his call for safety and security of the "Hindus and all other minority communities" in Bangladesh. This appeal for the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh was viewed as partisan by some sections in Dhaka. Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus, @ChiefAdviserGoB. Exchanged views on the prevailing situation. Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2024 Read More | ‘Better to split up Bangladesh than…’: Northeast leader’s response to Yunus remark PM Modi has not met Yunus yet. Furthermore, the Bangladesh interim head chose China as the first country to visit for a bilateral meeting. Despite this, the Indian PM in March wrote a letter to Yunus to mark Bangladesh’s National Day. He emphasised the importance of mutual sensitivity between the two nations, while referencing the Bangladesh Liberation War as a "shared history." PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," PM Modi wrote in the letter to Yunus. However, ties remain strained over Hasina's continued presence in India. Read More | PM Modi writes to Yunus, stresses 'mutual sensitivity' in strengthening India-Bangladesh ties Moreover, whenever elections are scheduled in Bangladesh, BNP may come back to power, which brings to mind memories of India's difficult experience with the BNP government from 2001 to 2006. Back then, Bangladesh harboured anti-India groups and aligned with China and Pakistan. On the economic front, Dhaka has turned to China, signing a $1 billion MoU to implement the Teesta Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project after a long-pending Teesta water treaty agreement with India. On the trade front, Bangladesh is facing a deficit. In FY 2023–24, Bangladesh exported only $1.97 billion worth of goods to India, while imports from India soared to $14.01 billion, resulting in a $12 billion trade gap. Bangladesh's growing ties with China and Pakistan Bangladesh's growing bonhomie with Pakistan 54 years after its independence from the country is a cause of concern for India. Along with this, Yunus' recent visit to China and his remark claiming the northeast as "landlocked" and Bangladesh as the "only guardian of the ocean" has also raised eyebrows. The arrival of a cargo ship carrying rice from Pakistan at the Chittagong port in early March not only revived a maritime link between the two nations but also marked a paradigm shift in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Moreover, the commemoration of Muhammad Ali Jinnah's death anniversary at the National Press Club in Dhaka marks a shift in people-to-people engagement between the two countries.

PM Modi-Yunus BIMSTEC meeting in limbo: How India-Bangladesh relations progressed after Hasina's fall

Bangladeshi police said on Friday that they had filed a new criminal case against ousted premier Sheikh Hasina over an alleged plot to overthrow the government that replaced her.

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina & Co. Accused of trying to overthrow caretaker government

Bangladesh Police files sedition case against Sheikh Hasina, 72 others

Bangladesh interim government's Information Adviser and one of the key leaders of the students' movement, Nahid Islam, Tuesday resigned from the cabinet, ahead of the launch of a new political party by the July uprising activists.
"Given the current situation in the country, the rise of a new political force is necessary. I have resigned from the advisory council to remain on the streets to consolidate the mass uprising," Islam said in a media briefing after submitting his resignation letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
One of the key coordinators of the July uprising that toppled the Awami League regime led by Sheikh Hasina, Nahid said his role on the street appeared more important than staying in government.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-or-bangladesh-report-suggests-usaids-21mn-grant-was-for-2024-bangladesh-elections-8747928">India or Bangladesh? Report suggests USAID&rsquo;s $21mn grant was for 2024 Bangladesh Elections</a>
He said he wanted to work for people's aspirations for a democratic change and thus resigned as an adviser, effectively a minister with two portfolios of Information &amp; Broadcasting and Post and Telecommunications.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement led a mass uprising that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5 last year. Three days later, Yunus took charge of the interim government.
Islam was one of the three representatives of the Movement who were inducted into the council of advisers.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/extradition-of-sheikh-hasina-for-trial-is-bangladeshs-top-priority-says-interim-chief-yunuss-office-8734438">Extradition of Sheikh Hasina for trial is Bangladesh's 'top priority', says interim chief Yunus's office</a>
He resigned as the platform and its ally, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, or &ldquo;national citizens committee", also led by students, earlier this month said they were set to form a new political party on Friday but did not announce its name.
Islam is likely to join the new political party as its top leader.
His resignation came amid criticisms from former prime minister Khaleda Zia&rsquo;s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and several groups against forming a party with their representatives staying in state power.
Hasina's Awami League virtually remained silent on the development while most of her colleagues in the party and government were in jail and on the run on charges like crimes against humanity during the July-August Uprising last year.
A UN fact-finding report earlier this month said the past regime wanted to ruthlessly crush the protesters, but the retaliatory violence continued even after its ouster while an estimated 1400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15.
Two other comrades, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud, however, remained as advisers. Islam said, "The student advisers in the government will remain active in implementing the promises of justice and reform to which the government has committed."
Yunus, earlier, said he encouraged the student movement-led party since they were ready to shed their blood for the country.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Asia Bangladesh: One of the key coordinators of the July uprising, Nahid said his role on the street appeared more important than staying in government.

Bangladesh interim government's Information Adviser and one of the key leaders of the students' movement, Nahid Islam, Tuesday resigned from the cabinet, ahead of the launch of a new political party by the July uprising activists. "Given the current situation in the country, the rise of a new political force is necessary. I have resigned from the advisory council to remain on the streets to consolidate the mass uprising," Islam said in a media briefing after submitting his resignation letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. One of the key coordinators of the July uprising that toppled the Awami League regime led by Sheikh Hasina, Nahid said his role on the street appeared more important than staying in government. Also read: India or Bangladesh? Report suggests USAID’s $21mn grant was for 2024 Bangladesh Elections He said he wanted to work for people's aspirations for a democratic change and thus resigned as an adviser, effectively a minister with two portfolios of Information & Broadcasting and Post and Telecommunications. Anti-Discrimination Student Movement led a mass uprising that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5 last year. Three days later, Yunus took charge of the interim government. Islam was one of the three representatives of the Movement who were inducted into the council of advisers. Also read: Extradition of Sheikh Hasina for trial is Bangladesh's 'top priority', says interim chief Yunus's office He resigned as the platform and its ally, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, or “national citizens committee", also led by students, earlier this month said they were set to form a new political party on Friday but did not announce its name. Islam is likely to join the new political party as its top leader. His resignation came amid criticisms from former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and several groups against forming a party with their representatives staying in state power. Hasina's Awami League virtually remained silent on the development while most of her colleagues in the party and government were in jail and on the run on charges like crimes against humanity during the July-August Uprising last year. A UN fact-finding report earlier this month said the past regime wanted to ruthlessly crush the protesters, but the retaliatory violence continued even after its ouster while an estimated 1400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15. Two other comrades, Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud, however, remained as advisers. Islam said, "The student advisers in the government will remain active in implementing the promises of justice and reform to which the government has committed." Yunus, earlier, said he encouraged the student movement-led party since they were ready to shed their blood for the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bangladesh govt's adviser Nahid Islam resigns, likely to launch new political party

Sheikh Hasina, in a virtual address to supporters, said she would return to Bangladesh to bring to justice those who are engaging in lawlessness. Watch this report for more details!

Bangladesh: 'I shall return, that's why Allah kept me alive', Sheikh Hasina vows to return

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